Punta Gorda

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Probably the reason we have enjoyed Florida's west coast so much (beside the great weather) has been the relaxed pace. We no longer feel we have to make 40 or 50 miles a day to get to a destination - and if we like a place we stay a few more days.

The past several weeks have been a nice blend of quiet, scenic anchorages and convenient small city moorings or anchorages. We have been able to avoid the expense of marinas for 2 weeks so feel a 2 day splurge here in Punta Gorda (visiting with Brian & Lydia and Lin & Rick) is a deserved treat. It also gives us the chance to check out a boatyard where we plan to store Gust O'Wind for the coming summer.

Since leaving Marathon we have buddy boated with Peter on Transition (a 42' trawler) and have shared many meals, beach walks dinghy explorations and concerts - courtesy of his impressive sound system and big screen tv. We'll be parting ways soon as we haul out for the summer and he heads for the Bahamas.

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Photos

Freddy Freddy
this unique boat was on a mooring in Ft. Myers Beach - note the outhouse on the stern - it's tender is named "the new and improved Freddy Freddy Dink"

mooring
straining on the mooring ball in Ft. Myers Beach

Punta Blanca
Marlene's artsy pic taken on this remote beach near Punta Gorda

whiting
this one didn't quite make it to the dinner menu

turtle
this turtle had logged many a sea mile before ending up here

dolphin
we see dolphin every day - sometimes when it is quiet they can startle you when they surface silently beside the boat then exhale noisily

pelican
it is so difficult to catch the near suicidal dive of a pelican on a fish as they can be gliding quietly along then will suddenly plunge on their victim

twin splashdown
two pelicans crash down together

shell collection
believe it or not we have collected most of the shells seen here on a display board at Cayo Costa

beachwalkers
one of our favourite anchorages was in Pelican Bay just off Cayo Costa state park - just south of Boca Grande - we spent 5 great days there.

Comments

[Judy Judge]

Wow!
Great Pics Guys! And love the commentary. Who's the clever craftman? What an awesome adventure you two are having. You look so loved up and tanned. haha. Carry on carryin' on, maties! Enjoy the rest of your journey. May it be a safe and blessed one. Love from across the ocean. Judy